Larry Stuart Baker

Larry was born into a dairy family in Olympia, Washington and spent his youth there, graduating from Olympia High School in 1956, then on to the University of Puget Sound, graduating in 1960. He then followed the calling he had identified for himself early on in life and attended Andover Newton Theological School in Boston for 3 years. He began his internship year in ministry at Monroe Congregational church in WA in 1963. He was ordained to the Christian Ministry at Fauntleroy Church (UCC) in September of 1964. He returned to his congregation in Monroe in the early 70’s and remained their pastor for over 30 years, commuting weekly (or more) from his home in Gig Harbor, with his wife of 40 years, Lauren Joy.

Larry had a very full life, with interests that included music, watching sports of all kinds, flying kites, travel, collecting, entertaining and cooking for family and friends. His salads were legend. His professional lives were committed to service. Along with his ministry, he had a long career focused on mental illness, working with Comprehensive Mental Health of Pierce County for over 30 years and the non-profit Directions, ETC. His goal for his clients, their families, and clinicians was to guide them to a path to achieve mental wellness.

Larry was, at heart, a story collector and teller. He drew perspective and wisdom from each encounter he had. Stories from his observations and life experiences were deftly combined with Biblical stories in sermons. His stories also made their way into his training, teaching and lecturing, to connect a human perspective into clinical topics. And of course they were readily shared around the dining table at countless gatherings of family and friends, often laced with a humorous or ironic twist or name dropping.

Larry is survived by his sister Judi Naylor. He is also survived by extended families and friends who hold his memory dear in their hearts. There is no memorial service planned. If you knew Larry, please celebrate or toast his life in any way that speaks to the time that you shared.